Decolonizing Mission Partnerships

“Taylor Walters Denyer takes an important topic—the missional relationships between large groups of United Methodists from the North Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo and from the United States—and analyzes it through a refreshingly wide variety of critical lenses. In so doing, she lifts up important Congolese voices, and adds her own unique voice, developed through close personal connections to the Katanga region about which she so knowledgeably and passionately writes.”


—David W. Scott, Consultant, Office of the General Secretary, General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church





“Taylor Denyer’s research on the dimensions of one colonized partnership—and what it would take to decolonize it—presents an informative case study and a compelling challenge. Her skillful integration of several academic conversations into a single missiological framework provides a helpful model for further reflection on transforming mission partnerships. This hope-giving study embodies an ethos of deep listening and vulnerable self-criticism coupled with a determined personal commitment to work for change.”


—Johannes (Klippies) Kritzinger, Professor Emeritus of Missiology, University of South Africa





“Decolonizing Mission Partnerships is a book that should lead us into redefining what it means to be a church engaged in God’s mission. Structures and systems that support mission are called to reevaluate themselves through the lenses of the perspective and experiences that Reverend Denyer presents to us. I appeal local churches to reflect on this book.”


—Mande Muyombo, Bishop, North Katanga Episcopal Area, The United Methodist Church